Based on the 2016 GatorWell Healthy Gators Survey, stress and anxiety are the greatest health concerns facing students.
In an effort to minimize those feelings while studying, Library West installed 10 FitDesks.
FitDesks look like cycling machines you would see at a gym, but they also come with a stand on which to place your computer, textbook or notes. Stacey Ewing, the associate chair of Library West, said light exercise and movement have been known to help reduce stress or anxiety and enhance a student’s ability to concentrate.
“Most people that I’ve seen using them are just slowly cycling away while reading material for their classes or studying,” she said.
Ewing said FitDesks have been placed in university libraries throughout the country and have had great success.
After receiving a grant for $2,500 in January, Library West began their plan to install the FitDesks, she said.
Although the library has not made any public announcements about the installment of the FitDesks, Ewing said she has seen a lot of students using them.
“It seems like every time I’m walking by on the second floor there’s usually someone on it,” she said.
The installment of the FitDesks during Summer was just a “soft launch,” Ewing said. She said she is hopeful that in the Fall, more students will be able to utilize and appreciate them.
Kim Styple, a 20-year-old UF criminology junior, said she plans to use the FitDesks and thinks it would be a good idea for UF to add more.
“I think the (FitDesks) are a great way for students to multitask and exercise while getting ahead on their studies,” she said.
Contact Catie Wegman at cwegman@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter: @catie_wegman.
Library West installed 10 FitDesks to help students manage stress and anxiety while studying through exercise. The FitDesks were paid for with a $2,500 grant.
